Doha, 1st of December, 2010:  Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the exclusive dealer of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, today unveiled the 2011 face-lifted R-Class. The new R-Class Chrome, Sports or AMG package is the "crème de la crème" of family vehicles designed to provide the best of leading-edge technology, safety and first-class travel to one's nearest and dearest.

The R-Class makes room for cutting-edge specs such as the environment-friendly "BlueEFFICIENCY" technology, the latest passive and active safety measures, flexible space concept and generous dimensions for the comfort of up to seven passengers, multimedia and assistance systems and climate control options amongst others.

This upgraded vehicle displays a regal stance in every detail with its widened upright radiator grille, the restyled headlamps, fine shoulder-line trim strips, optional fully panoramic sliding rooftop and elegant door handles. With its flexible interior and three rows of seats, the R-Class offers its passengers the opportunity to fold up as many seats to create a flat load surface.

Khaled Shaa'ban, General Manager of NBK Automobiles said: "The new R-Class represents the very finest virtues: A love of the family as no other passenger car from Mercedes-Benz gives your closest ones this much space and safety. The standards of uncompromising quality are evident in the workmanship of the premium materials used to assemble this vehicle. With its security and eco-friendly features and beautiful design, the R-Class truly fulfills the most discerning requirements. "

The R-Class BlueEFFICIENCY is a comprehensive vehicle optimization designed to ease the burden on the environment. Each model combines the most efficient engine with optimum aerodynamic and energy-management measures.

The R-Class also comes with three powerful engines options. The 6-cylinder engines with 4-valve technology in the R300 and R350 4MATIC embody refined power. The maximum torque of 300 and 350 Nm respectively facilitates immediate power delivery over a particularly wide engine speed range which means that impressive reserves of power are available in every driving situation ensuring relaxed motoring and efficient use of fuel. The R-Class 8-cylinder R 500 4MATIC engine comes with effortless superiority and smooth running characteristics. This engine provides high performance potential together with lower consumption and reduced emissions.

Safety tops the priority charts of R-Class manufacturers. The R-Class features Blind Spot Assist monitoring the area which cannot be seen by the driver directly to the side of and behind the vehicle, DISTRONIC proximity control using a radar sensor to help the driver maintain the set distance to the vehicle in front in a speed range of 0 to 200 km/h, Bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime driving providing optimum visibility and improved perception owing to seven light-emitting diodes and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) trailer stabilization recognizing problematic driving situations and applying short brake actuations to stop the movement of the trailer. Additionally, the R-Class include a PRE-SAFE system, airbags and NECK-PRO head restraints for enhance protection of passengers.

The R-Class is also fitted with various seat-folding options for better flexibility and spaciousness. Seats can be folded to accommodate children seating requirements. Top of the range multimedia and assistance systems are embedded within the R-Class offering the vehicle's passengers with great entertainment for the duration of their ride.

The 2011 R-Class is now available at the Nasser Bin Khaled Mercedes-Benz showrooms.

-Ends-

Notes to editors
Established in 1957 by the late Sheikh Nasser Bin Khaled Al-Thani, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles is Qatar's exclusive distributor of three of the world's most respected, iconic brands: May Bach, Mercedes-Benz and Harley Davidson. One of the country's leading automotive businesses, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles has built its success by establishing solid, longstanding relationships with its customers, and through offering a wide range of products.

As a brand name, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles is deeply associated with a history of premium quality service and market leadership.  With a state-of-the-art sales showroom, a used-vehicles sales point and a considerable number of after-sales workshops earmarked with cutting-edge technology and a team of first-class automotive experts, Nasser Bin Khaled automobiles brings home international best practices entrenched with deep-rooted knowledge of the domestic market.

Mercedes-Benz Qatar: Following the construction of a new state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz showroom on Salwa Road, NBK Automobiles boosted its market position and public perception as a centre of excellence and innovation. The new showroom represents the peak of technological perfection and serves to reinforce the reputation for excellence that has placed Mercedes-Benz Qatar at the top of the luxury sector.

Guided by its unflagging commitment to customer satisfaction, NBK Automobiles has built up its line of services by offering customized solutions and a one-stop-shopping experience to its

customers. Its Trade-In Department, Used-Cars operation and the CLASS Leasing program are widely considered to be the best of their kind in Qatar.

Moreover, NBK Automobiles provides an extensive product range of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, from small vans to buses to heavy trucks.   

To ensure efficiency and customer convenience, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles has refurbished its After Sales operations in the industrial area, adding such services as a Quick Service Center next to the Land Mark mall and another express workshop at Al Manaa Petrol Station, cutting back on the time and effort of its busy customers.

Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles' future business growth is based on continuing to foster customer loyalty and trust-two highly significant and extremely valuable competitive advantages. The company promises to not only meet customer expectations, but to exceed them. The best service, the widest choice, the least hassle--these are just a few of the promises made by Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles.

For more information, please contact:
Hala Kassab/Aileen Andojar
Asda'a Burson-Marsteller, Qatar
T: +974 4 4351 113
F: +974 4 4351 511
h.kassab@asdaa.com/a.andojar@asdaa.com © Press Release 2010