Monday, Mar 11, 2013

SECTOR SCAN 1 - TOYOTA

Dubai Taxi Corporation has taken delivery of 1,100 current model-year Toyota vehicles from Al-Futtaim Motors, including 20 hybrid Camry units. The tender was released via Tejari.com. Al-Futtaim Motors is one of the main suppliers of DTC’s fleet which consists of 3,504 vehicles. “We are extremely pleased with the renewal of our cooperation where 20 new Camry Hybrid will be put to the test by DTC,” said Simon Frith, Managing Director at the Toyota dealership. In 2008, DTC embarked on a pilot project with Al-Futtaim Motors, where 10 Hybrid Camrys were added to its fleet to test the efficiency of the technology. The trial run was very successful and showed that the test vehicles which covered more than 550,000-kilometres didn’t experience failures or major maintenance issues.

SECTOR SCAN 2 - BUDGET

Latest Cadillac models make it to Budget’s fleet

Deal reflects increased demand for leasing high-end models

The rental car firm Budget has added the latest Cadillac models to its fleet to meet demand for leased luxury vehicles. The first handovers included the all-new Cadillac XTS and ATS from Liberty Automobiles. “The current lot is fully booked - we plan to add more Cadillacs in the course of the year and expect the luxury segment to grow to 25 per cent of our total fleet,” said Salim Damji, Senior General Manager, Budget UAE. “In a parallel development, we have created a new group for sportscar lovers by introducing the stunning Chevrolet Camaro into our fleet.” The Cadillacs are available for daily, weekly and monthly rentals as well as for leasing for a period of one to four years.

Damji is pictured here with Rajesh Krishnan, Senior General Manager- Sales & Marketing at Liberty Automobiles. The presentation was also attended by Abdalla Madhoun, Regional Fleet Manager, General Motors Middle East.

SECTOR SCAN 3 - KIA

Kia dealerships hits the roads with new models

Goes in for a month-long roadshow to get closer to potential buyers

Kia - UAE confirmed a sales growth of 22 per cent in 2012 and now looks to boost it further with the launch of the current-year models, in particular the new Cerato. “Kia is starting four-week long roadshows - namely ‘Kia On Tour’ - in the UAE,” said Mohammad Khader, President of Al Majid Motors - Kia UAE. “The event will give chance to test drive the new vehicles and see and feel their superiority. I am sure the new sleeker and aesthetically beautiful Kia cars featuring LED front, rear lighting and a chrome-trimmed belt line along with various features will wow motor enthusiasts.” The roadshow was launched from Al Qasba in Sharjah.

SECTOR SCAN 4 - CHEVROLET

Rejuvenated Chevrolet range bolsters GM sales

Carmaker recorded a 20% volume growth in February

General Motors’ showrooms in the region saw 9,200 vehicles heading for the exit during February, which is a 20 per cent sales growth over the January tally. Demand was led by the Chevrolet range as well as GMC. Dealers handed over 2,513 Chevrolet units last month, up 5 per cent on January. Interestingly, sales of the Spark mini-car were up 55 per cent month-on-month, that of the Sonic small car by 41 per cent and of the Cruze compact by 4 per cent. “GM Middle East’s February sales performed well month-on-month and with 11 major launches planned in the region this year, we will continue to attract new customers and strengthen our sales further across all our brands,” said John Stadwick, President and Managing Director of General Motors M. E.

Staff Report

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