Dubai, March 14, 2011: Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Toyota in the UAE, has handed over 40 Toyota Coaster buses to their long standing corporate fleet customer Europcar.

The company won the order based on the combination of the Coaster's quality, durability and reliability and Al-Futtaim Motors' comprehensive fleet sales and after-sales support. Coming from the world's leading automotive manufacturer, the Toyota Coaster competes in the medium sized bus segment with a long held the reputation for offering passengers a relaxed travelling experience by virtue of its comfortable and spacious interior.

Alan Carpenter, General Manager, Fleet Sales Development, Al-Futtaim Motors stated:  "Toyota understands that solid, reliable vehicles are needed for the task of carrying large groups of people. The Coaster's purpose-built coach is extremely comfortable and its powerful and durable drive train makes long trips both relaxing and swift."

Mr Carpenter continued: "Toyota's laser focus on quality, durability and reliability, contribute significantly to high residual values. This means that whilst our purchase prices are not the cheapest, our clients realise the total cost of ownership is one of the best in the marketplace."

Vijay Kumar, General Manager, Europcar commented: "We have worked with Al-Futtaim Motors' fleet department for over 30 years for the simple reason that Toyota is renowned for manufacturing the world's most reliable vehicles. We know from experience that the Toyotas we buy spend less unscheduled time in the workshop and more time on the road. When we need after-sales support the team at Al-Futtaim Motors is always on hand to help us. This means both a lower cost of maintenance over the vehicle's life and also better productivity for our clients. We are confident that the Toyota Coaster offers those clients the best in comfort and long term value."

The deal signifies renewed growth in the fleet market, with Al-Futtaim Motors recording positive fleet sales throughout January and February of this year. Mr Carpenter commented: "The crisis of confidence that shook the entire automotive industry in 2009 has left its mark. Fleets now think long and hard before making a purchase decision, but we are now seeing a clear upward trend in the market."

He explained: "many fleets now look beyond the initial purchase price to assess the actual cost of running and disposing vehicles over a three or four year period, a concept known as 'Total Cost of Ownership' (TCO). They consider the depreciation, financing costs, registration fees, insurance, fuel consumption, and the cost of service, maintenance and repair. Adopting this TCO approach to their fleet allows them to make the best long term decision providing peace of mind in an ever changing economic climate."

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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 2011