MUSCAT -- Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the first exclusive showroom of Infiniti, the fastest growing Japanese luxury automotive brand in the region, at Qurum yesterday. Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is the sole importers of all Infiniti luxury cars into the Sultanate of Oman. The new showroom is built on the Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI) platform, Infiniti's unified global standard.
Two gleaming Infiniti "M" super luxury sedans were unveiled at the new showroom on the occasion in the presence of Ministers, His Highnesses, His excellencies and Colin Dodge, Executive Vice-President Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), India and Board Member of Nissan Motors; Shaikh Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of Suhail Bahwan Group; Atsuo Kosaka, Managing Director of Nissan Middle East; Shaikh Ahmed Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, and Antoine Bartes, General Manager Infiniti Business Unit, Infiniti Middle East. Set amidst the glittering interiors of Infiniti's showroom, the inauguration was marked by great pomp and show.
Coinciding with the launch of the new showroom, Infiniti unveiled the redesigned "M" range -- the all-new M37 sedan in addition to the M56. The full line-up consisting of Infiniti G Sedan, G37 Coupe, FX, EX & QX, the full size SUV will be on display at the Infiniti showroom. "The luxury market is experiencing some dramatic changes in consumer behaviour. The need for creating the sense of "exclusivity" has been a big challenge for marketers of luxury goods and services," said Colin Dodge. "Infiniti has created a comprehensive global standard for new dealership facilities called "IREDI" which comprehensively captures that spirit of exclusivity. It encompasses the guiding principles of Infiniti Design and is reflected in all showroom elements", he added.
Shaikh Ahmed Suhail Bahwan summed up the significance of the momentous occasion by paying tribute to the vision of His Majesty the Sultan. He went on to add, "This impressive facility demonstrates our commitment to the customers in Oman in providing them with the highest quality products and ownership experience. This is an impressive facility, no doubt. But we want what's inside this facility -- the products, the people, the services -- to leave a lasting impression on our customers".
The new showroom design has features that are energetic and modern with an accent on natural materials and open lighting. The layout provides a dramatic reveal of the Infiniti vehicles and highly convenient functional areas. The IREDI concept includes two aspects, a dynamic exterior which gives visitors a sense of warmth. A glass wall and the Infiniti logo with strong visual impact at night are some of the most distinctive features of the showroom from outside. Secondly, the interior includes a spacious separate lobby area and an artistic layout of the exhibition area.
The addition of the new "M" sedans follows an intensive period of new product launches for the Japanese luxury brand following recent introduction of the all-new Infiniti QX flagship SUV and the stylish Infiniti G37 Convertible model in March 2010. "The 2011 Infiniti M is a stunning addition to the fast expanding Infiniti product range and embodies all of the brand's best thinking in design and quality to date. Its inspired performance, luxurious comfort craftsmanship and style provide a superior alternative to other European and Japanese luxury sedans," said the spokesperson at Suhail Bahwan Automobiles.
The M37 and M56 sedans come in rear-wheel drive configuration and in a choice of grade levels. The M37 can be specified in three different grades -- 'Excellence', 'Luxury' and 'Sport' -- while the M56 is available in two grades -- 'Luxury' and 'Sport.
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
