Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for the market-leading Toyota range in the UAE, has marked the start of celebrations that commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the legendary Land Cruiser with the launch of a special 60th Anniversary series.
The iconic Land Cruiser has been conquering and taming the most challenging terrains across the globe for 60 years. Land Cruiser's ancestral line can be traced back to the Toyota BJ, a truck-derived model that was initially developed for military use. In 1955 the name BJ gave way to Land Cruiser and the pattern was set for a model range whose reputation for toughness and an ability to go anywhere, continues through to the present day.
To date approximately six million Land Cruisers have been sold worldwide and it has become an important part of the lives of people in over 127 countries. In 1955, Al-Futtaim Motors received its first Land Cruiser consignment of 28 vehicles. Today Al-Futtaim Motors import over 600 models each month, accounting for 53 per cent of the large sports utility vehicle market in the UAE.
Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim Motors, stated; "From its humble beginnings 60 years ago, the Land Cruiser has developed into one of the most enduring and sought after brand names in off-road driving. In the process, Toyota has become recognised as the world leader in the four-wheel drive market for unrivalled quality and reliability standards. In the UAE, the Land Cruiser has become part of the region's history and development, and part of the very fabric of life; in fact, customers often admiringly refer to their Land Cruiser as 'The Pride of the Land'. In recognition of this special relationship, we have begun our anniversary celebrations with the launch of a special anniversary Land Cruiser range, featuring unique specification for our UAE customers."
The 60th anniversary range comprises two grades, VXR-i and GXR-i, featuring a new blue mica metallic exterior with coloured roof rails and a special 60th anniversary motif throughout the interior and exterior, including the floor mats, illuminated entry plate and key case. In addition, the range offers enhanced levels of comfort, featuring new heat reducing power shades which also add an element of privacy; celebratory diamond motif stitched leather seats to provide a luxury touch; LED daytime running lights that present a stylish facelift at the same time as enhancing the visibility of the vehicle; new side indicator mirrors and a rear view camera displayed on the driver's interior rear mirror to aid reversing.
The VXR-i models feature a rear dual DVD entertainment system and the powerful new 5.7 litre engine alongside the well proven 4.7 litre engine. Compact, yet remarkably powerful, the 5.7 litre V8 petrol engine incorporates dual VVT-i technology to provide excellent low-end torque, smooth acceleration and revolutionary power performance. The new engine delivers 362 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and is paired with a smooth, responsive six speed automatic transmission.
The entertainment system features a DVD player in each headrest which independently plays two different movies catering to different passenger's tastes. The system is also USB compatible for photo or movie playback and features wireless headphones.
Mr Dickerson concluded; "Our loyal customers have always appreciated the strength, durability, reliability, and unrivalled off-road driving performance that is inherent in the Land Cruiser DNA. The special edition 60th anniversary models celebrate these characteristics by presenting a great value proposition designed especially for the UAE market. We believe the introduction of this limited edition range is the perfect start for this special year for Land Cruiser. We welcome all customers, past, present and future, to our Toyota showrooms across the Emirates to find out more about the fantastic UAE specific Land Cruiser range."
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About Al-Futtaim Motors:
Al-Futtaim Motors is a member of Al-Futtaim, the leading UAE business conglomerate. It operates the Toyota, Lexus and Hino franchises through a network of modern Sales Showrooms, Service and Parts facilities strategically located throughout the UAE to provide the optimum sales and after-sales service to its customers.
The company also operates twelve Tyre Express outlets in the UAE, where a comprehensive range of tyres and batteries are available, together with expert advice on tyre care and safety. The company's customer focus is exemplified in its guiding maxim of "We care and it shows".
For further information please contact:
Victoria Jacks
PR Manager
GMASCO Marketing Communications
An Al-Futtaim group company
Tel: +971 4 2282101
Fax: +971 4 2279801
Email: Victoria.Jacks@gmasco.com
© Press Release 2010
