Initiative is in line with NBKS Services' strategy to constantly benefit Motor bike lovers in Qatar

Doha, February 5, 2007:  Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons, the largest and most trusted group in Qatar's automotive industry, today welcomed the Light Speed Team, a delegation of internationally renowned Kawasaki riders from Italy, for a series of winter testing sessions prior to the International Motorbike Tournament which will be held at Qatar's International Lusail Circuit on the 24th of February 2007.

The initiative reflects Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons - Services deep-rooted commitment to offering unique and invaluable opportunities to motorbike lovers in Qatar to meet the world's best motorbike riders.  It is also an example of the group's efforts towards helping promote the State of Qatar as a worldwide destination for premium Sports events.

The highly appraised riders of the Light Speed Team arrived in Doha today and the delegation will remain for two consecutive weeks in preparation for the world tournament at the end of the month.  

The Light Speed Team riders' are: Davide Giugliano, 2005 winner of Kawasaki ninja cup Italian 2006 and 3rd place winner on Europe Super stock 600; Ashely Carlucci, a new comer to the team. He participated in the Suzuki Cup for the last 2 seasons; Michele De Luca, another new member to the team and winner of 2006 Kawasaki ninja cup Italian; Cristiano Migliorati, a 20 years experienced rider and 2004 winner of Super Sports Italian Championship. In 2006, Migliorati won 3rd place participating in world championship in the class 250 & 500 cc Bikes.

On the occasion, Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani, Chairman of Nasser Bin Khaled Group of Companies said," Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Services have always strived to be pioneers in hosting one-of-a-kind Sports events in the State of Qatar.  As one of the most respected homegrown Qatari companies, we are committed to boosting Qatar's profile to work towards the common goal of making it one of the world's leading Sports destinations. Following the 2006 15th Doha Asian Games, Qatar has proved itself to be a global benchmark of quality against which all future Sporting events will be measured and NBKS Services hopes to add to this esteemed status through hosting the Light Speed Team."

Mr. Paul J. Maryan, Chief Operations Officer - Auto added:" This is a fantastic opportunity for Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons - Services and Kawasaki Qatar. It is really great to be with such an internation brand and I believe that this is an excellent initiative that proves how supportive NBKS Services is of local and worldwide Sports events."

Mr. Ahmad Saad El Din Habib, General Manager of Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons - Services commented,"NBKS - Services thrives on market analysis and customers' needs. Motor biking lovers have grown exponentially in Qatar in recent years and the numbers are growing faster than ever before.  Introducing a multi-national industry leader such as Kawasaki to the country was a strategic move for the group. Hosting the Light Speed Team is a testament to NBKS - Services' commitment to provide its clientele and the riders' community in Qatar with unparalleled experiences to meet the world's bike leaders and to broaden their knowledge and expertise."

Kawasaki Motorcycle history boasts of numerous accomplishments in the world of motor biking. The multi-national company has produced numerous spectacular and highly powerful bikes which have lead Kawasaki to victory for several titles such as The Endurance King in 1994. Its bikes have also placed racing teams in winning positions in several races.  The Company has introduced countless firsts and best-sellers such as the Meihatsu 125 Deluxe in 1955, Z1 in 1972 Zephyr in 1989, and the Ninja ZX - 12 R in 2000 to name a few.

Mr. Tarek Mohammed Sherif Al Attar, Kawasaki Division Manager in Qatar said, " it is well known that  the newest chapters in motorcycle's history is always started by Kawasaki and the Light Speed Team is here to prove that Kawasaki has continually been a leader in bringing industry firsts to our clientele and bike lovers all around the world. Although the brand has been only recently introduced in Qatar, it has solidly established itself as the leading racing bike manufacturer in the world among its competitors and has consistently exceeded riders' expectations not only with its ultra-powerful machines but also with the learning opportunities it provides for bike lovers everywhere."

Al Attar also added:" this team is one of two official teams supported by Kawasaki worldwide. It took us three month to prepare for this event which will give the chance to local riders to sharpen their skills through direct interaction with the riders. We are also aiming at getting more support from companies in Qatar to have aspiring as well as current riders sponsored and to channel their talent in the right direction. We are planning to open the first riding school by the beginning of 2008 and it will be the first to teach the safest and most recent riding techniques. Hosting the Light Speed Team is a first step towards building a solid relationship in order to have these professionals provide our local riders with proper international riders to prepare them to enter Super Bikes global tournaments."

Mr. Davide Bulega, Light Speed Team Manager, expressed his pleasure in being with the team in Qatar saying,"This is our first time here in Qatar and we are very excited to start our testing sessions at the International Lusail Circuit. Our stay looks extremely promising in terms of what we will be experiencing. In particular we are looking forward to meeting our fellow Qatari bike lovers so that we can share biking tips and tricks on an off the circuit."

The Light Speed Team will stay in Qatar for 2 weeks to undergo multiple testing and training sessions in preparation for the International Bikes Tournament soon to take place in Qatar and which will bring together many globally acclaimed names in the world of biking.

In addition, Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Services will be taking the Light Speed Team riders on a tour of the State of Qatar to provide them with a taste of the country's unique combination of traditional and modern architecture and lifestyle.  The tour has been inspired by the group's strong Qatar heritage and its understanding of the importance of Arab hospitality. 

-Ends-

Note to the Editors:
Founded in the early 1950s, Nasser Bin Khaled Services Co. - NBKS Co. is one of the largest and most trusted companies in the automotive industry in the state of Qatar. The company comprises major divisions offering a wide range of products and services, and a leading provider for heavy equipment, motor bikes, and automotive after sales services such as Tires, Spare Parts, Accessories, Car Detailing and Body Workshops.

The company originally started with four divisions: Heavy Equipment, Bosch, Doha Petrol Station and Michelin. As part of its expansion plan, the company established new operations and concepts which include: Smart Repair, Kawasaki, Rental and Transport, Zeibart, Bosch Spare Parts, Bosch Tools and Diagnostic Equipment and Power Generation Division.

NBKS Co. main objective is to leverage its local heritage to reach global recognition as a leading corporate group in the market with a strategy to provide added value in quality products and services. Recognized for the diversity of its products portfolio and distribution networks, NBKS Co. guiding principles revolve around three core values: invest in people, improve stocks and beef up after sales wing.

For more information, Kindly contact:
Hala Kassab/ Samira El Ghoul
Asda'a Public Relations
Doha - Qatar
T: + 974 4351 113
F: + 974 4351 511
h.kassab@asdaa.com
s.elghoul@asdaa.com
 
Mr. Amr Halafawy
Marketing Manager
Nasser Bin Khaled and Sons - Services
T: + 974 469 7407
F: + 974 469 0788
ahalafawy@nbks.com

© Press Release 2007