Acknowledged for its groundbreaking CRM initiatives in Qatar

Doha, Qatar -22nd April 2008 - During the first ever GM CRM Council for General Motors' Middle East Network organized in Manama, Bahrain, Mannai Automotive of Qatar received an award from GM in recognition of its innovative and pioneering Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program. The council was well attended and brought together CRM champions from all parts of the region with the common goal of improving the CRM procedures and practices within their dealership leading to enhanced customer experience and higher sales in the long run. The forum also served as the perfect platform for the various dealerships to discuss their CRM achievements as well as the day-to-day challenges faced in their implementation. Meenakshi Parasuram of Mannai Trading was chosen the co-chair person of the CRM council and will henceforth work closely with GM to bring effective CRM support and initiatives to GM's Middle East Dealer Network.

The CRM council was the first of its kind in the region, organized by General Motors with a view to applaud CRM efforts undertaken by GM dealerships in the Middle East as well as encourage exchange of information, ideas and best practices to help all dealerships in the region increase the effectiveness of their respective CRM programs. "We have a strong partner in Mannai Trading, who shares our vision of keeping customers for life and going beyond the call to ensure they have an excellent ownership experience and always remain satisfied customers," said Shereen Harris, CRM Manager GM Middle East.

Harris added: "At General Motors, we strongly believe that it's all about the customer. Our current and future customers are the key to our sustained success in the Middle East, and our CRM strategy has been carefully crafted to revolve around them. Our Dealer Network is the link between our customers and us. Ultimately, it's our Dealer Network that delivers on the needs and wants of our customers. Therefore empowering our Dealer Network is the primary focus." Elaborating on the effectiveness of the CRM program, Harris said, "The implementation of CRM in our dealerships has proved extremely valuable in the past, and General Motors is committed to continuing to lay the foundations of effective CRM activities throughout the region."

Mannai Automotive, a subsidiary of the Mannai Group of Qatar, is the exclusive dealer of GM and Cadillac vehicles in Qatar, along with several other automobile brands. The company was represented by Meenakshi Parasuram at the council, who received the CRM award on behalf of Mannai Automotive. "We've worked very hard to put together a strong CRM plan, and it's great to receive this acknowledgement and endorsement from GM," said Manal Al Masri- Mannai Trading Co. CRM Manager "Now we'll assist other dealerships around the region strengthen their respective CRM initiatives, as well as continuing to fine-tune our own program to further enhance ownership experience of GM and Mannai customers in Qatar."

Manal added: "We at Mannai trading have always shared GM's vision, and we were one of the dealerships in the region to embark on the CRM program in its early stages. The CRM forum was an opportunity for us to showcase our CRM initiatives during 2007 and by highlighting their effectiveness, perhaps encourage other dealerships to reinforce their own CRM efforts."

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© Press Release 2008