Off-road giant KTM marks another "first" and brings ATV enthusiasts a whole new and exciting level of Sports riding adventures

Doha, 17 February 2008: Alfardan Motorcycles, Qatar's premier motorcycles' dealer, recently announced the arrival of KTM's first ever 450 XC and 525 XC ATV models in Doha. The 450 XC and 525 XC bring forth a new benchmark in the off-road four-wheel racing world.

KTM's illustrious "Ready to Race" heritage stems out of solid foundations based on decades of fierce competition, cutting-edge engineering and premium performance. In-keeping with KTM's prominent brand philosophy, the all-new ATVs top the four-wheel racing machines' charts with its massive torque performance and ultimate power.  

Distinctive and aggressive in looks, the 450 XC and 525 XC are considered to be the most potent ATVs ever built to date. With a breathtaking acceleration experience, the new ATVs broaden KTM's product pallet to include a completely new model family and in doing so underscores KTM's leadership in the international off-road market.

Mr. Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Motorcycles said: "We are pleased to share this memorable milestone in KTM's history. In partnering for success, we look for those iconic brands that boast the most prestigious product lines and the ability to imprint world's history with its unique inventions; and we have found so in KTM. We believe this new addition to be a solid cornerstone in KTM's heritage and a brilliant success in Qatar."

Mr. Florian Kecht, KTM Area Manager said: "KTM's name has always been synonymous with the topmost off-road riding experience. We have produced state-of-the-art two-wheel products that have left an indelible mark in the world of off-road racing. KTM ATVs represent our next strategic move to accentuate our leadership of the off-road industry. Highly acclaimed as the best ATVs to be ever produced, the 450 XC and 525 XC will be immensely successful in Qatar, which is among our most important markets."

Developed together with ATV champion Tim Farr, the four-wheeled versions of the world's leading sports motorcycles have already proved themselves in competition in the USA with Farr winning three prominent titles in 2007.

Both ATVs portray KTM's innovative spirit. They are driven by the powerful KTM single cylinder, four-stroke motor that is recognized for its reliability and comes with a choice of either 450 or 525 cc displacement. They feature an additional reverse gear and a sophisticated and very light tubular steel chassis constructed at the company's headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria, making them among the lightest ATVs available worldwide with superb handling characteristics.

Mr. Robert Zarzour, Director of Motorcycles and Lifestyles at Alfardan Motorcycles said: "We are extremely pleased to showcase, for the very first time in Qatar, KTM's outstanding ATVs. Off-road Sports riding is considered to be an entertainment mean and a challenging exercise and to that effect off-road enthusiasts look for nothing short of the best riding experience possible - KTM has now made this dream come true and available with the 450 XC and 525 XC ATVs, and we are confident that these models will witness exceptional demand in Qatar."

These 450 XC and 525 XC "All Terrain Vehicles" also feature other prominent specs such as the Magura hydraulic brakes with a 4-piston calliper and steel-braided brake linings, the Maxxis Razr tyres mounted on Douglas aluminium rims, the self adjusting Magura hydraulic clutch with quick changeable clutch covers for competition use, the fully adjustable Magura aluminium tapered handlebar and the ergonomic, oversized tank. The steering stabilizer mount is integrated into the frame with an Öhlins steering stabilizer which can be mounted in minutes.

Owing to KTM's top quality components and design, the 450 XC and 525 XC ATVs have been acclaimed as the most complete and most dependable Sport ATV yet developed, generating, thus, a huge global demand.

The 450 XC and 525 XC ATVs are available now at Alfardan Motorcycles' showrooms alongside a wide range of KTM's best off-road and on-road vehicles and lifestyle products.

KTM's reputable 2-wheelers have recently bagged numerous winning titles. The Red Bull KTM Off-Road Team riders David Pearson and Shane Esposito teamed up to win the overall the Desert Parker 250 event aboard their KTM 530XCR-W race machine. KTM also crowned the UAE Desert Challenge off Road Rally 2007. Additionally, KTM has crowned over 6 consecutive rounds of the legendary Rally Dakar.

Alfardan Motorcycles was established in November 2006 resulting in a stupendous growth rate in motorcycles' demand and founded, in record time, two state-of-the-art showrooms located on Suhaim Bin Hamad Street and in Madinat Khalifa featuring some of the world's most coveted motorcycle's brand names. Alfardan Motorcycles was named exclusive importer of KTM, in Qatar, in 2005.

-Ends-

About Alfardan Motorcycles
Alfardan Motorcycles was established in November 2006 following a stupendous growth rate in motorcycles' demand in Qatar. An early division of Alfardan Automobiles, Alfardan Motorcycles focuses solely on the management and selling of motorcycles' brands in order to bolster the services provided to motorcycles' enthusiasts in Qatar.

Alfardan Motorcycles boasts two state-of-the-art showrooms located on Suhaim Bin Hamad Street and in Madinat Khalifa featuring a range of the most coveted motorcycle's names the likes of Ducati for racing, Piaggio Group for urban two and three-wheelers, KTM for off-road and BMW Motorrad for luxury motorcycles. It also includes a Lifestyles division managing multinational clothing, apparels and accessories lines.

With best customer service on top of its priorities, Alfardan Motorcycles established a cutting-edge After-Sales facility located in Madinat Khalifa, Khalifa Petrol Station equipped with the latest High Tech equipment and a team of highly qualified experts.

For more information please contact
Ghassan Bouz
Alfardan Motorcycles
Doha, Qatar
T: +974 44 63 504
F: +974 43 67 876
gbouz@alfardan.com.qa

Hala Kassab,
Samira El Ghoul
Asda'a Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliates of Edelman Worldwide in MENA

Doha, Qatar
T: +974 4351 113
F: +974 4351 511
h.kassab@asdaa.com, s.elghoul@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008