Launches a Brand New Subaru Showroom in Sharjah

Targets 45 percent growth for year 2012

40 percent growth in 2010-12

Targets 10 percent share of Japanese SUV Market

Unveils all new Subaru XV cross over

Sharjah, UAE, 19th December 2011: Al Khoory Automobiles, sole distributors of Subaru vehicles in Dubai and the northern emirates today announced expansion plans with the launch of a 40,000 sq ft, brand new Saburu showroom and service centre in Sharjah.  Unveiling the latest crossover compact SUV- Subaru XV, the automobile company expects an upswing in demand in wake of a new generation of Subaru cars debuting in 2012 in the UAE.   

Speaking at the launch Mr. Nayyar Zaidi, General Manager Marketing & Sales Al Khoory Automobiles, said: "Launch of the Subaru showroom and service centre is a part of our strategic expansion plan. Over the next two years, we are a looking at an investment of AED 40-50 million in the UAE market.  We plan to open new showrooms in other northern emirates with Ras Al Khaimah being first in the pipeline. A new network of showrooms and service centres is envisaged to enhance visibility, proximity, sales and after sales customer experience."

"We are also looking at scaling-up awareness about the brand Subaru-still a niche brand in the UAE- preferred mostly by western expats and western educated emirates and Asian expatriates, well versed with the brand's motor sports legacy and superior driving experience . In 2010-11, the brand has shown steady growth with sales going up by 40 percent. For 2012, we are targeting a growth of over 45 percent," added Mr. Zaidi.

Commenting on the launch of new Subaru showroom in Sharjah Mr. Yasushi Nagae, General Manager - CIS, Middle-East and Africa Sales & Marketing Department, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles Japan said: "Subaru was amongst the few brands to register growth in the US, China and other markets in 2009, considered a difficult year for the global automobile industry. Expansion for Subaru in the UAE comes in the wake of on an upswing in the local automobile sector and a greater interest in sporty, sturdy, fun and safe-to-drive vehicles fuelled by the debut of car rallying in the country. We remain committed to expanding this market, and a line-up of new generation Subaru cars debuting in 2012 in the UAE is sure to catalyse growth."

Subaru's acclaimed and much awarded core technology Horizontally Opposed Subaru Boxer Engine and Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD) imparts Subaru vehicles with highest safety in all road conditions, excellent driving performance, and intelligent packaging. The only automobile company other than Porsche that uses horizontally opposed Boxer engine, brand Subaru is synonymous with dependability, durability and ultimately the lowest cost of ownership.

The Subaru line up consists of latest globally acclaimed sedan - 'Legacy ', a 300-horsepower - 'Impreza WRX STI', the Best Selling All-Wheel Drive Wagon in America - 'Outback', listed in the Forbes top 15 safest cars - for 2009 - 'Tribeca' and Forester - an SUV with 5 star safety ratings from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, US and also one of the safest SUVs in its category.

Al Khoory Unveils Subaru XV; Targets 10 percent share of Japanese SUV Market

Targeting 10 percent share of the Japanese SUV market in the UAE, Al Khoory Automobiles today unveiled Subaru XV a crossover compact SUV . The vehicle comes with a new generation Subaru Boxer Engine with highly improved fuel efficiency (7.9L/100km), lighter components, high level of responsiveness to acceleration and enhanced stability and control. Subaru's core technology of Symmetrical All Wheel Drive goes beyond just safety on slick roads to deliver intensified driving experience on any road surface. The sleek yet muscular crossover blends five star safety ratings, eco-friendly features and funky personality with the ultimate experience in urban and adventurous driving.   

"We are looking at expanding Subaru SUV market in the UAE. While the demand for SUV's is still there, there is a greater preference for smaller 4x4s as buyers take fuel efficiency and the environment into consideration. With the new XV, we will capitalize on this demand. We are targeting youth and adventure loving families. The car's youthful styling, colourful palette will surely attract the younger generation while spacious interiors, cargo space make it ideally suited for families that like to spend time outdoors. While car will go on sale in March 2012, customers can start booking their models of choice," added Mr. Zaidi.

-Ends-

Al Khoory Automobiles is a member of Al Khoory Group of Companies. For over three decades, this group has flourished on the strength of three fundamental principles - honesty, integrity and commitment. Its success is built on strict ethical standards, dynamic vision of the management, progressive trends driven by the commitment in providing excellent, creative and cost effective solutions for a better environment.

Al Khoory Automobiles has sourced and exclusively represents major internationally reputed brands, Subaru, Yutong and King Long that are exhaustively researched for their product suitability to cope with the extreme climatic conditions in the Middle East and have proven successful over all track records.

A wide sales network supported by showrooms, experienced and knowledgeable sales force, comprehensive spare parts back up and diligent after sales service, Al Khoory Automobiles aims to achieve maximum customer confidence and satisfaction.

For further information, please contact:
Shazia Kamili
Media Agency Middle East
Shazia@mediaagencyme.com
Mobile: 050-7264392

© Press Release 2011