28 September 2015
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, today announced the handover of the first 50 Toyota Camry Hybrid to Arabia Taxi, a franchisee of RTA Dubai and member of Arabia Holdings Group of companies.

The agreement was signed by Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors, and Mr. P.S.M Habibullah, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Arabia Holdings, at the launch ceremony that was attended by Dr. Yousef Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Public Transport Agency at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and a number of senior officials from both organizations.

"Our relationship with Arabia Taxi spans over a decade, with more than 98% of their fleet now consisting of Toyota vehicles. The addition of Camry Hybrid vehicles to their fleet will ensure that Arabia Taxi futureproofs their transport solutions, while increasing reliance on renewable resources in their efforts to create a greener environment," said Saud Abbasi.

Mr. P.S.M Habibullah, confirmed the alignment of Arabia Taxi's vision with RTA's to contribute to a greener environment, and explained how the new vehicles will support this vision while at the same time, helping the company provide better services to its customers.

"In addition to supporting government initiatives aiming at reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a greener environment, we expect some serious cost savings resulting from lower fuel consumption and maintenance charges. It is a very positive cycle that will allow us to deliver better results to our customers while meeting our green agenda," Habibullah confirmed.

Dr. Yousef Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Public Transport Agency at Roads and Transport Authority., said: "The RTA has been working closely with Al-Futtaim Motors for half a decade to explore the feasibility of a Hybrid Taxi fleet powered by Toyota vehicles, in line with the Dubai Vision 2021 initiative of reducing pollution from transport. The pilot study was successfully completed, and we are pleased to welcome on-board Arabia Taxi who have added 50 Toyota Hybrid Camry vehicles to their fleet, working closely with us to meet a sustainable transport future as part of our Dubai 2021 strategy."

Arabia Taxi joins a number of operators and government institutions that have chosen the Toyota Camry Hybrid to be an integral part of their fleet in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and as part of the plan for a more sustainable UAE.

Camry Hybrid offers expansive savings on maintenance costs when compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, as it enjoys a lower total cost of ownership thanks to a great reduction in fuel consumption, wear and tear and decreased service requirements.

Globally, cumulative Toyota hybrid vehicles sales have surpassed 8 million, resulting in approximately 58 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions--believed to be a cause of global warming--than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance. Toyota also estimates that its hybrid vehicles have saved approximately 22 million kiloliters of petrol, enough to fill 8,800 Olympic swimming pools, compared to the amount used by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar sizes.

Hybrid remains Toyota's core technology in its development of alternative powertrains. Recent developments include the release of Mirai - the world's first production hydrogen fuel-cell sedan - in Japan, the US and Europe.

-Ends-

About Al-Futtaim Motors- Toyota
Al-Futtaim Motors is a member of the Al-Futtaim Group, the leading UAE business conglomerate. It has operated the Toyota franchise in the United Arab Emirates for almost 6 decades. The company started its operation in 1955 with the arrival of the first shipment of 28 Land Cruisers and Toyopets from Japan. It has since become the largest distributor of automobiles and automotive products in the UAE and the company has gone from strength to strength expanding its presence through a network of high profile Toyota showrooms and service centres providing convenient touch points for motorists in every corner of the UAE. Al-Futtaim Motors offers a comprehensive choice of Toyota models ranging from compact, sedan, SUV, MPV and LCV options. While the Yaris Hatchback monopolises the compact range, the Sedan series offers a wide choice of vehicles such as Yaris Sedan, Corolla, Camry, Avalon and Aurion. The SUV range comprises the legendary Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, FJ Cruiser, Fortuner, Sequoia and RAV4. While the MPV range features Innova, Previa and the newly launched 7-seat Avanza, the LCV line up covers the Land Cruiser Pick-up, Hilux, Hiace and Coaster. Al-Futtaim Motors recently launched the much awaited sports car, the front engine rear wheel drive Toyota 86. The company currently operates 14 Toyota showrooms conveniently located across the UAE. For more information please log on to www.toyota.ae; https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaUAE

Contacts for media:
Suzan Kazzi | Communication Manager Al-Futtaim Motors | +971 4 206 6178 | +9715 6 686 1887 | suzan.kazzi@alfuttaim.ae

Rabih Habayeb | PR Manager GMASCO | +971 4 208 5750 | +9715 6 417 5367 | rabih.habayeb@gmasco.com

© Press Release 2015