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Al-Futtaim Motors Showcases New Toyota Sports Car Direction At Abu Dhabi Motor Show |
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Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Toyota, the UAE market leading automotive brand, presents a sports themed stand at the 13th Abu Dhabi International Motor Show held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Following Toyota’s global president Akio Toyoda’s open desire to return to the sports car market to produce ‘fun to drive’ models, Al-Futtaim Motors chose to host the Middle East debut of the rear wheel drive sports coupe concept, the FT-86G alongside the launch of the Zelas, a youthful sports coupe on the opening day of the show. Speaking at the press conference, Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim Motors stated: “From the Celica to the MR2 and the Supra, Toyota has created a heritage of exciting sports models. These have inspired the vision for the concept model that is making its Middle East debut here in Abu Dhabi, the FT-86G. Featuring a distinctive front engine and rear wheel drive configuration, this concept is poised to introduce the next generation of Toyota sports cars and I am delighted to confirm that a production model will appear on UAE roads post 2012.” Mr Dickerson continued: “The FT-86G provides a glimpse of what Toyota has in store for the future and is undoubtedly the star of the show. But what about today? We believe there is a gap in the market for younger motorists looking for a sporty vehicle that performs well, looks good and is in a price bracket they can afford. The new youthful sports coupe, the Zelas fits all of these criteria while also providing the quality, durability and reliability that is inherent across our market leading Toyota range. Visitors to the show have the opportunity to become the first Zelas owners in the UAE and I assure you, the Zelas will captivate the heart of the youth market. Few cars in this segment promise so much style and fun.” Other key exhibits on the stand include the new celebratory 60th Anniversary Edition of the iconic Land Cruiser featuring the new 5.7 litre engine, complete with unique UAE specification for enhanced passenger comfort and safety. With up to 1000 models sold each month, the Land Cruiser is one of the most visible models on the road today, accounting for 53 per cent of the UAE’s large sports utility market. Commenting on the 60 year love affair between the region and the Land Cruiser, Mr Dickerson commented: “Our loyal customers have always appreciated the strength, durability, reliability, and unrivalled off-road driving performance that is inherent in the Land Cruiser DNA. The special 60th Anniversary Editions celebrate these characteristics by presenting a high specification proposition designed especially for the UAE market. We believe the introduction of this limited edition range is the perfect start for this special anniversary year for Land Cruiser.” Further models that have been specially modified for the show to honour the UAE’s passion for Toyota’s legendary ruggedness are the FJ Cruiser, Hilux, Prado, Land Cruiser Pick up and Land Cruiser Xtreme. Featuring enlarged tyres, suspension lifts and detailed off-road accessories, the vehicles demonstrate the extent of Al-Futtaim Motors’ investment in the modified vehicle market. This range of vehicles is displayed on the Toyota stand in some of the extreme conditions in which they best demonstrate their incredible versatility. Acknowledging the tough year Toyota experienced in the face of a series of service campaigns, Simon Frith, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors, stated: “Customer service continues to be our priority and this year we were tested to the full; the feedback we received from our customers and the media on our handling of these issues, has been extremely positive. I am delighted to confirm that thanks to our loyal customers, sales during this period were not adversely affected. In fact to the contrary, Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota October year to date sales grew 30 per cent against the same period last year. As a result, I am proud to announce that Toyota has strengthened its position as the clear number one choice of drivers in the UAE with our market share increasing five percentage points from 26 to 31 per cent.” During 2010 Toyota experienced significant growth in the passenger car segment with refreshed Corolla and Camry models bolstering October year to date sales up 63 per cent and 50 per cent respectively against the same period last year. The four wheel drive range continued its legendary performance with the new Prado continuing to generate robust sales, up 60 per cent on the same period last year with the Sequoia recording over 100 per cent growth and the iconic Land Cruiser increasing 40 per cent in the same period. |
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