20 September 2006

Doha, Qatar - Mannai Trading Co, Cadillac dealer in Qatar, today formally sealed the deal with Qatar International Trading  (QIT) to hand over ten 2006 Cadillac DTS Extended Limousines.  The deal marks a number of 'firsts' for General Motors and the State of Qatar: It is the 1st time the 2006 Cadillac DTS limousine is exported outside the US; the first time that QIT offers a VIP limousine service; and the first time that Qatar has an extended limousine VIP service.

"The new VIP extended limousine service is by far one of the most exciting developments in recent years and we are extremely delighted to be the first to provide our customers with it," said Mr. Mohammed Helmy, General Manager Automotive Group, Mannai Trading Co.

Present at the handover that took place at the Ritz Carlton Doha were Mr.  Jassim Al Misnid, deputy chairman QIT, Mr. Adnan Al Mousa, general manager QIT and Terry Johnsson, managing director General Motors Middle East & Africa.

"We are very excited about the launch of this one-of-a-kind service in Qatar, especially with the redesigned Cadillac DTS Extended Limousine. From its Cadillac-signature styling to its power and refined ride characteristics, the DTS is a product of unwavering attention to detail building on the strengths and appeal of the Cadillac brand," said Chase Hawkins, premium brands director at General Motors Middle East.

The 2006 Cadillac DTS Limousine makes a bold styling statement by incorporating Cadillac's contemporary design cues to the front and rear portions of the vehicle. Redesigned front and rear fascias integrate Cadillac's signature egg-crate grille with center-mounted wreath and crest badge, jewel-like vertically oriented high-intensity xenon headlamps and state-of-the-art LED tail lamps. 

With a new design and unique construction under the skin, the new Cadillac DTS limousine interior boasts six-passenger seating with comfort and visibility for all occupants. A rear seat executive package features a concealed, foldaway desktop that can be deployed when conducting affairs of state. The rear seats have an adjustable reclining feature along with the adaptive seat system, which senses the position of the occupant in the seat and automatically adjusts the cushion for added comfort. Moreover, rear seat passengers can enjoy their own premium sound system complete with a 10-disc CD changer. Wood accents, rich blue leather and cloth complete the executive interior.

QIT is a major fleet partner, operating over 400 GM vehicles. The company is now launching a VIP limousine service, and has chosen the Cadillac DTS Extended Limousines to start.

Mannai Trading Co, winner of the coveted Cadillac Master Dealer Award, highlights the importance of customer satisfaction and support by offering nothing less than outstanding premium services that are associated with Cadillac, such as superior after sales services and a comprehensive customer support network.  The company continually strives to enhance the customer ownership experience and ensures the best levels of service are provided to all customers.

-Ends-

Cadillac is the luxury vehicle division of General Motors. It was founded in 1902.  Cadillac is committed to developing compelling, high-quality vehicles with bold design, breakthrough technology and world-class performance. In doing so, Cadillac has carefully preserved the qualities relevant to luxury consumers and translated them into vehicles with the performance, features and benefits that appeal to 21st-century buyers.

Global sales and market share have made consistent gains in recent years. Cadillac today produces the XLR convertible luxury roadster, the SRX midsize luxury utility, the CTS entry-level luxury sedan, the STS performance luxury sedan, the DTS full-size luxury sedan, a line of supercharged performance V-Series models and the world's most powerful line-up of SUVs: the Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT. 

The Cadillac brand has been an iconic presence in the Middle East region for over 80 years.

About Mannai Trading Co
Mannai Trading Co. Automotive Group is the official dealer for the Cadillac, Hummer, GMC and Opel range of vehicles in the State of Qatar. The company's 'customer-first' approach in combination with its excellent after sales network has succeeded in creating an ever-expanding and satisfied client base for its vehicles.

Automotive Group covers the entire range from small compacts to luxury passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles, used cars and heavy construction equipment. Sales operations are supported by extensive after-sales vehicle service centres, workshops and spare parts warehouses. The offering is rounded out with an active pre-owned vehicle sales activity, leasing and car hire through Mannai Autorent.

© Press Release 2006