Monday, May 20, 2013

Engineering perfection gets an upgrade

BMW’s association with the storied design studio Pininfarina will be crystallised in the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 on May 24. It will also be a true successor to the BMW Zagato Coupe launched at the same event last year. By associating with other design studios, “It enables two design approaches to merge into a new and exciting initiative that encourages fresh creative impulses,” said a statement issued by the German carmaker. The latest creation — served by a V12 — is a one-off but is built around such BMW hallmarks as a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline. (Staff Report)

Learning road safety 
rules in a pedal car

The Porsche Abu Dhabi dealership operated by Ali & Sons has once again launched its road safety campaign targeted at children. The Porsche Kids Driving School will be doing the rounds of schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and spreading the word to more 1,000 children. The approach combines lectures on road safety with practical driving activities in Porsche 911 pedal cars through a maze of imitation streets. Children are taught about traffic signals and traffic rules, such as using pedestrian crossings safely, and the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times. This simulated road experience is completed with zebra crossings, traffic lights, road signs and road marshals.

(Staff Report)

Tait sets tyre brand up 
for higher targets

Jonathan Tait is now at the helm of Emirates for Universal Tyres, the local distributor for Continental Tyres. His primary focus is to raise the profile of the brand and to implement new initiatives. EUT is part of the Abdulla Al Masaood and Sons (AMS) Group, which has partnered with Germany’s Continental Tyres since 2009 as sole distributor in the UAE. “Continental Tyres is unarguably one of the world’s top tyre brands, however it is yet to fulfil its full potential in the UAE, so this will be a key challenge that I am looking forward to addressing,” said Tait.

(Staff Report)

Al Majid Motors goes 
on a showroom spree

Al Majid Motors has had a busy week, with new showrooms for Kia opening in Sharjah (spread on 13,000 square feet on King Faisal Street) and Ras Al Khaimah (all of 17,500 square feet on the main Al Ittihad Road). “Opening of these new showrooms endorses the commitment of our expansion strategy towards Kia vehicles growing market to secure an excellent record of customer attention and service,” said Mohammad Khader, president of Al Majid Motors. Apart from its established presence in the compact car category, Kia has steadily been winning over a new buyer base in the premium sedan range with 
the Quoris.

(Staff Report)

Importer seeks sales rev up with new BMW bike

The BMW R 1200 GS, featuring dual ignition and new ‘digital motor electronics’ for improved catalytic converters with separate oxygen sensors to each cylinder, has gone on sale at AGMC, the BMW importer for Dubai and northern emirates. It sports a lightweight 199-kg engine as well as an eye-catching LED headlamp for advanced visibility. There are 12 colour options available for the bodywork, interior and tank side cover. “This model demonstrates a synthesis of easy handling, supreme touring suitability, off-road potential and comfort for rider, which puts it in prime position to become one of AGMC’s bestselling motorcycles.” said Osman Abdelmoneim, general manager, AGMC. “In Q1 alone we saw a 42 per cent increase in sales in the segment.” (Staff Report)

Staff Report

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