Jeddah - European cars are slowly expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia's automobile market, which remains the largest in the Middle East. Japanese models continue to dominate the market with American cars holding a major share in the non-Japanese segment. "Recent trends show that European cars are expanding their market share," Mohammed Wajih Sharbatly, vice president of Saudi Arabian Marketing & Agencies Company Ltd., part of the SAMACO Group, said on Saturday night. "European models, especially VW cars in their class, are growing in demand," he told a press conference at the unveiling ceremony of the new Passat from Volkswagen (VW). "The prospects for Volkswagen and other European cars look bright in the current economic scenario that marks a strong all-round activity," Mohammed Raffa, assistant vice president at SAMACO's Automotive Division, said.
Mustafa Sabra, national sales and marketing manager at SAMACO/VW, described the new Passat as a "completely reinvented" car and gave highlighted its features. Improved driving dynamics, driving comfort and driving enjoyment are among its strong points.
The Passat has evolved into a representation of automotive progress over the last 32 years, representing what it means to be "Made in Germany." Vehicle size, drive technologies, safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability program (ESP) are among the technical features highlighting the design of the new Passat.
"The Passat is now more than just a middle-class saloon," he said. It has matured into a car with character, which has been the perfect companion over more than three decades. The rational qualities of product line, body and running gear characteristics and therefore comfort have been consistently perfected in the new Passat. "However, at the same time, the development team has breathed new passion and pulsating liveliness into the model by means of an uncompromising combination of shape, functionality, design and ergonomics," he added. The Passat, which made its market debut for the first time in 1973, numbers among the world's most famous automobiles. It embodies what occurs when designers interpret this clear-cut, logical and comprehensive style more powerfully, athletically and passionately than ever before: design and innovative technology united, working together to catapult the saloon into a sportier, more discriminate, and class-transcending in the most ambitious evolutionary step since the series was invented. Now in its sixth generation, the Passat is described as one of the safest saloons in its class.
By K.S. Ramkumar
© Arab News 2005
