Renault Van launched in Saudi Arabia

A well-scripted press release, for an ordinary product, a van. Great effort. 

Renault is a brand that is making a come back in KSA. After the brand was almost disappeared from the roads & minds ( incl in terms of brand performance perception), the new dealer has made efforts to make a success out of their re-entry strategy. 

If we do the basic things right, success is guaranteed. 

With new launches (Duster & Scalia) in India creating the right noise, Renault can replicate the success in India too...if they get the basics right, which most of the car-manufacturers don't get early!

http://www.ameinfo.com/robust-renault-logan-van-stands-saudi-311022

JLR Factory in Saudi Arabia

JLR may be one of the first luxury car maker to set up assembly in Saudi Arabia. The market has great affinity to the sport utility category. The demand for luxury cross over can only increase in the medium/long term.
We actually see more Lexus SUV across GCC, incl KSA.

The SUV luxury market in Saudi Arabia is shared quite evenly among all major players : BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, Range Rover, VW.... perhaps in that order. But an assembly in KSA may help to gain market share of this market and also GCC. Toyota has some kind of assembly in the country, but very basic level. That has surely helped the brand to climb to the dominant market share (40% plus)

We might actually get to see more Evoque on GCC roads.. a rightful place for this big hit luxury cross over from JLR!

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ratan-tata-hints-at-jlr-assembly-plant-in-saudi-arabia/184939/on

GO Green in GCC

Came across this simple study of why we are not really 'GOing GREEN' !

http://www.kippreport.com/2012/05/unimpressed-exclusive-research-shows-why-residents-uae-and-saudi-arabia-dont-give-a-leafy-cabbage-about-going-green/comment-page-1/#comment-89637



It is all due to the low level of awareness.
Everyone cares...surely
Incentive helps, but that alone is not the reason.
While educational institutions, government agencies and other related agencies can play a big role, ultimately all those who believe in it should proactively practise it.

PS : I feel across G20 countries, some of the basic initiatives should be mandatory - for example, segregation of garbage & re-cycling.

For all the hue & cry on the rising petro prices in India, no one talks about improving public transport !!

Audi in ME

A friend here ( in Middle east) says, if you drive an Audi, you can not drive any other car. 

In my spiritual pursuit, I am trying to go beyond brand, luxury, et al !

Frankly I am scared to ‘upgrade’ to Audi. Don’t want to get hooked to one more brand in life !

Another friend tried to get out of ‘Apple’ addiction, IPhone, ITouch, IPad.. But was not able to & conceded defeat, with humility. Apple a day would have kept doctor away, partially at least J

Some numbers on Audi's performance, for Middle East, comprising 12 markets:

·         3725 cars sold in H1-2011

·         1531 in UAE, 681 in KSA

·         Best selling models : Audi Q7 (863 units), A8 L (613 units) and Q5 (588 units), followed by A4 and A6

Source : http://www.ameinfo.com/270795.html

Hyundai Veloster to roll in Saudi Arabia & UAE soon

As the market is facing shortage of popular cars from key brands, here is a key brand expected to launch another sleek machine, VELOSTAR !

If these reports are right, perfect timing indeed... as the demand may see an upswing during the Ramadan month & not many high profile launches either....

Interesting times ahead for car-enthusiasts surely!

Hyundai Veloster to roll in Saudi Arabia & UAE soon

UPDATE 4-Toyota may build cut-price car for Asia in Indonesia | Reuters

Auto Industry... Future Trends

UPDATE 4-Toyota may build cut-price car for Asia in Indonesia | Reuters

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Special Offers on Camry 2011

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SAHER in KSA

One of the most talked about topics in recent past, in KSA, would be the new traffic system ( Saher).

We have seen so many reports, including that of international agencies, indicating  KSA had one of highest accident rates. That would automatically translate to deaths/injuries, with its effect on families and friends. A young population, good roads, comparatively lower price of cars, thanks to very low duties/taxes, etc may be the reasons. Saher was an idea which was just 'what doctor would have prescribed', literally and otherwise :)

As I earn my bread from the automotive industry, this topic has come up for discussion several times.

• While a friend became too cautious at the signal and his car was hit from behind
• Over-speeding and jumping signals were presumed to be the most common 'errors'! 
• Even if you stop at signal, but on 'zebra-crossing', it is a violation.

The fact it is quite automated, this is here to stay. And that is the real good news. As we get fined, we will become more compliant. 

But, one common point of discussion is we all need to be doing these even without the electronic-policing. As responsible drivers, it is our minimum duty. But, we forget about our responsibility. Most of us end up of violating, only the degree of violation varies. Just rushing past when yellow light blinked is a violation too, a very common one. 

We just need to be more aware of our traffic responsibility and driving around with that awareness... Happy & Safe Driving...

Saher launched in KSA

PS: If we were conscious of our similar responsibility and extend same to all our thoughts, words and deeds, this world would be a better place. In that case, Saher could be our inner consciousness... Food for thought!

Confessions of a Toyota Fan

Fishing in Troubled waters?As per reports, other cars' dealers in US are trying to reach out to the Toyota customers by offering $1,000 cash back for a switch. This includes GM, Ford, Nissan and Chrysler. With additional recall in the form of  Pickup, for Toyota it continues to be a slide down.... But, knowing Toyota, they will rise and come back from this crisis stronger and live up to their reputation as a quality car manufacturer.

Met couple of friends here at  some of the other leading car dealerships, in Middle East. They are not in a mood to try and swing the public opinion in their favour. Reasons are - Toyota is too strong a brand in ME. Also, they are concerned if their own models would get into this recall whirlpool. After all, the component suppliers are quite common to many manufacturers.

Hence, sharing their concern, it is imperative Toyota comes out of this asap, with minimum further PR damage. The car industry, world over, need this not so small stimulus in the form of quality and safety of cars...
While it is a dream and passion for many to own and drive a car, safety is one of the fundamental aspect of a car!

CAR-FREE day at Dubai

Wednesday, Feb 17 is car-free day @ Dubai.
Wow, that is quite inspiring! ...at the same time ambitious. Dubai's public transport is not ready yet for a car-free day, esp on a working day.
Weather permitting, people can walk to work or cycle around. But that will be contrary to the very essence of Dubai's ( entire ME) lifestyle. And it is too late to get few camels back on duty too !
But, it is a great goal to work to. Hope more cities in ME will adopt a similar initiative and get the participation of  all citizens, especially educational and health institutions.

Toyota halts sales of some vehicles due to pedals - MarketWatch

Is Toyota losing the innovation edge or ignoring the quality/Kaizen aspect of the processes ?

From a customer-perspective, Toyota is synonymous with quality.

The Korean auto makers, Kia and Hyundai, are definitely eating into Toyota's market share. Not because of quality, but the perception of 'value for money'.

Is Toyota on the third stage of 'Five Stages of Decline' by Jim Collins in Built to Last ?

Toyota halts sales of some vehicles due to pedals - MarketWatch

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Managing car dealership business

MD Johnson Inc and Compli will host a complimentary webinar on Buying, Selling and Valuing Automobile Dealerships in today's market, on Wednesday, September 9th. Mark D Johnson, President of MD Johnson Inc, will present the program and Lon Leneve, President and CFO of Compli, will host and moderate the presentation. Space is limited to 1000 participants and is strongly subscribed as of September 3rd. The webinar will include proprietary buy/sell checklists from MD Johnson Inc.

Source : Fox Business (http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/mark-d-johnson-president-md-johnson-compli-present-webinar-september---buying/)

Chevrolet Tahoe ranks top in Saudi Auto tests

Chevrolet’s full size Tahoe has been named as the 'Editor's Choice' in the latest issue of Saudi Auto, better than even Toyota Sequoia.

The Editor's Choice is a monthly comparative test drive feature conducted by Saudi Auto's expert editorial team involving both static and dynamic evaluation criteria.
Bakur Azher, publisher and editor in Chief of Saudi Auto, said: “In a closely fought contest, the Chevrolet Tahoe wins the editor’s seal of approval as the full size SUV of choice. Its ability to combine all its attributes together with excellent value puts it ahead of the competition.”

The Chevrolet Tahoe is available as…
•LS, LT and LTZ, with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive option.
•With six speed transmission and 5.3-litre V8 engine with 355 hp at 5,200 rpm.

Some good news for GM, Middle East

Kia Offer

Kia dealer in KSA is making an 'irresistible offer' to their prospective customers for the Ramadan season.
They will match up to 25% of down payment or two lease rentals
Also other freebies such as insurance, road side assistance, extended warranty...

Is that a huge marketing budget or heavy discount ? What would be the re-sale value of these cars one year down the line ?


we will get to see lot more of Kia, principal sponsor, Fifa world cup at South Africa
Kia official website: http://www.kiamotors.com/

Used Car slump in Middle East

If new car industry has been going through a lean phase, the cascading effect on Used car can not be far behind. If other catalstic effects added, like Saudi ban on very old used cars and restrictions in certain African countries due to pressure on foreign exchange, the slump speeds up...

Read on
http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/7/Pages/15072009/07162009_1142df791c10493cb8720b7c144775eb.aspx

All New 2009 Honda Pilot Launched in Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Hashim Company Ltd has launched the Grand Comfort Cruiser

• The Grand Comfort Cruiser – ‘cruiser’ J. formerly MV4
• Comfortable for 8 adults
• 253 HP 3.5 Litre i-VTEC V6 engine
• 253 HP VTM-4 : Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive , delivers torque to all four wheels
• Vehicle Stability Assist & Parking Sensors are other features

for more details check out : http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/

Honda's new Accord is a big hit in Middle East.