Dubai, UAE - 25 August 2004 - The most secure convertible/roadster in Britain is a Saab, according to the findings of the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (MIRRC), which held its first ever British Insurance Car Security Awards this year, and in which the Saab 9-3 convertible beat all other models in its segment.
Fadi Ghosn, Regional Divisional Marketing Manager for GM Premium Brands in the Middle East said: "For today's customers, good car security is almost as important as safety. This award is a strong affirmation that our skilled security development engineers have set the industry standard, for which we are all very proud.
"Within the last few months the new 9-3 Convertible has received a hat-trick of prestigious awards, from design, to safety rating and now security. This can only heighten the growing demand we are witnessing for the vehicle in a number of markets."
The MIRRC is a world-leading automotive research and technology institution that specialises in research and development, consultancy, training and publishing services. As one of Europe's leading authorities in the field of vehicle security, its experts have been assessing the theft protection standards of vehicles for over ten years, using a star rating system to reflect a vehicle's standard of theft protection.
These New Vehicle Security Ratings have been co-developed by MIRRC, the Association of British Insurers, Lloyds, the Automobile Association (AA) and the Department for Transport, all of whom back the awards.
The 9-3 Convertible, along with the 9-3 Sport Sedan, are the first steps in the biggest product development programme in Saab's history. They spearhead the arrival of an entirely new family of cars, each focused on meeting the specific requirements of a distinct niche in the market. Both models are dedicated to delivering a unique, fun-to-drive experience that promises to set new standards for the class.
"Our 9-3 models are designed to appeal to young, premium-car buyers who place a priority on a rewarding driving experience, but who also want to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive, less commonplace brand," said Ghosn.
-Ends-
Note to Editors
About Saab
Saab is a division of General Motors Corporation, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1937 in Sweden, the Saab brand was bought out in full by GM in 2000 and today markets and sells cars to more than 60 countries around the world. Saab has long been a trusted manufacturer of vehicles that seamlessly combine high performance, first class safety, distinctive design and state-of-the art technology.
The models sold in the Middle East by Saab today - the Saab 9-3 sedan and convertible and the Saab 9-5 sedan and wagon - provide a very special driving experience, combining turbocharged power, total safety and sophisticated design. Saab continues to expand its portfolio, developing state-of-the-art concept cars such as the no-compromise Saab 9-3x all-wheel drive sports car, the comprehensive Saab 9x and the progressive Saab 9-3 Sports Hatch, each providing a tantalising glimpse of the future of the Saab driving experience.
About GMGeneral Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, was founded in 1908 and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today employs 342,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 32 countries. Its vehicles are sold in more than 192 countries. In 2003, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is in Detroit.
GM has been operating in the Middle East since the early 1940's. GM's vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Opel and Saab supported by a unique set of customer focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. The regional office in Dubai covers the company's operations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
In 2003, GM sold around 60,000 vehicles in the Middle East and the company continues to introduce pioneering programs in the region.
More information on GM and its products can be found on the company's consumer websites www.gm.com and www.gmarabia.com
For more information:
Saada Hammad
Communications and PR Manager
General Motors Middle East
Tel Dubai (009714) 3143350
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com
Paul Venn
Account Director
Hill & Knowlton
Tel (009714) 3344930
paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2004
