Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota reconfirmed its confidence in the UAE vehicle market with the unveiling of three new models at the 10th Dubai International Motor Show and news of expansion plans for 2010.
Speaking at the press conference held on day one of the show, Jim Sakaguchi, General Manager of the Middle East and Southwest Asia, Sales and Marketing Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, confirmed Toyota’s commitment to the region: “Whilst I appreciate that 2009 has been a difficult year for the automobile industry both globally and locally here in the Middle East, I am proud to see that Toyota has retained its position as the clear number one choice of drivers in the UAE.
Toyota Motor Corporation is committed in supporting Al-Futtaim Motors, our exclusive partner in the UAE, to still further cement this position in 2010 and beyond.”
Mr Sakaguchi continued: “Toyota has been hard hit by the global downturn, as have all our competitors, and we have had to take cost cutting measures to sustain our business. However importantly we have not cut back on the crucial area of research and development of new products. Critically for this part of the world this includes the specialist development required to ensure our cars perform to the optimum standard in the harshest conditions.
New product is the lifeblood of any successful company and I am pleased to report that we have launched several new and face lifted products in 2009 in the UAE and can confirm that we will continue to introduce new models throughout 2010 and beyond.
Toyota also remains totally committed to delivering the best customer experience in the region; by building the most reliable vehicles with the lowest cost of ownership; by ensuring our cars are durable enough to withstand all the challenges of the UAE climate. And lastly, by helping our partners, Al-Futtaim Motors, to deliver the most professional sales and after sales service to their customers in the UAE.
On this last point I was privileged enough to attend a groundbreaking ceremony just yesterday for a brand new dealership development in Abu Dhabi. This, I know, is just one of many investments they are currently making in order to continue to deliver exemplary customer service to all Toyota drivers in the UAE.”
Expanding on the expansion plans, Mr Simon Frith, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors explained: “New product launches are not our only news because, as Jim has already mentioned, Al-Futtaim Motors have been making considerable investment in premises designed to offer our customers the best and most convenient service. We are opening a new dealership in Abu Dhabi in the new year with the major Motorworld development in the same city being constructed over the next two years. And here in Dubai we are making further investment in our aftersales facilities. So whilst many say the economic future remains uncertain we, at Al-Futtaim Motors, are confident of a successful 2010.”
2009 sales performance
Commenting on Toyota’s sales performance over the past 11 months, Mr Frith stated: “2009 has been a challenging year but I am delighted to report that sales have now regained a steady pace, with an upward trend in recent months as bank lending and customer confidence have increased. Core vehicles such as the Toyota Camry and Yaris continue to lead their segments with the Camry increasing market share in the large passenger segment. We are also proud to report that Yaris sales now account for half of all cars sold in the small passenger car segment. In the 4×4 market, the iconic Land Cruiser continues to significantly dominate the large 4×4 segment while Toyota monopolises the medium 4×4 market with the Prado, FJ Cruiser and Fortuner models. We expect Toyota’s share of this segment to increase with the recent launch of the fourth generation Land Cruiser Prado, as existing loyal and new customers find the new Land Cruiser Prado offers a perfect blend of on and off-road capability.”
Motor Show visitors have the chance to test-drive the new Land Cruiser Prado on a purpose built course at the Trade Centre Plaza, outside the Ibis Hotel. Drivers will experience the five speed crawl control on a challenging hill climb and descent and discover the overall vehicle stability through an angled 30 degree side ramp while a series of uneven platforms demonstrate its class-leading wheel articulation.
New vehicles unveiled
Avid off-road drivers will welcome the news that Al-Futtaim Motors has chosen the Dubai Motor Show to launch new versions of the iconic FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser models. The FJ “Stealth” model features a cool matt black exterior, tinted windows roof rails, lights and black alloys. Overall a slick transformation that is as serious about its appearance as its performance.
As Land Cruiser enters its 60th year of production in 2010, Al-Futtaim Motors has teamed up with the renowned 4 wheel drive modification specialists “Arctic Truck”. Arctic Truck has earned its reputation by developing vehicles for the military as well as for expeditions to the harshest places on the planet such as Antarctica and Greenland and has now a modification centre in the UAE where it is developing vehicles to tackle all the Middle East can throw at it!
The first result of this partnership is the incredible Land Cruiser Xtreme. The imposing Xtreme benefits from 35 inch wheels and a specialist 40 mm suspension lift and up rated shock absorbers which means it takes the Land Cruiser’s already legendary off road performance to another level. These modified vehicles provide an enhanced off-road experience coupled with a unique robust styling that is popular with Toyota enthusiasts.
Mr Frith continued: “At last year’s Abu Dhabi motor show we launched the Sequoia, Toyota’s biggest ever SUV. At this show we are pleased to preview the next chapter in the Sequoia story – the Sequoia 4×4. The vehicle will be launched officially in January and we expect the addition of the 4×4 version will ensure the Sequoia becomes the market leader in its class by the end of 2010.
All these new vehicles will ensure that we continue to offer the drivers of the Emirates the widest range of vehicles, designed for the diverse requirements of UAE motoring.”
Also sharing the spotlight on the Toyota stand are two important concept vehicles which cement Toyota Motor Corporation’s commitment to continued investment in new product research and development. Mr Frith explained: “Today, Al-Futtaim Motors proudly presents the Middle East debut of Toyota’s latest developments in the field of sustainable mobility – the i-REAL and the 1/X. These vehicles highlight our determination to turn our vision for sustainable mobility into a reality, not just a dream car concept.”
The 1/X (one tenth) concept completely redefines the meaning of environmental responsibility. The name says it all: a car that weighs a fraction of others in its class today and uses a fraction of the fuel and produces a fraction of the CO2 emissions.
The i-REAL is nearing full commercialisation giving us the opportunity to demonstrate it in action here at the show. Choreographed performances are scheduled for every hour throughout the five day show.”
The i-REAL, a one-seated, three-wheeled vehicle powered by electricity, can travel up to 30 kilometres on a full battery charge. The vehicle neatly adapts to suit the driving environment transforming from an upright and slow-moving position amongst pedestrians to a lower-angled formation for stable performance at high speeds.
These vehicles are particularly pertinent to this year’s show as Mr Frith joins other industry experts to discuss sustainable mobility issues in the region’s first Sustainable Mobility Forum on day three of the Motor Show.
Mr Frith concluded: “Toyota is in good shape moving forward into 2010. We feel that the new editions to the range that we are displaying for the first time at the show will help us build on our position as the UAE number one. Equally important is the investment in the sales and after-sales facilities for our customers. We have a responsibility to our customers to provide them with the best service in the UAE and with our continued support from the Toyota Motor Corporation, we will continue to strive to do so.”
Source: news release
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