(From left to right) Guy Edmunds, Mark Kass and Len Hunt.
Honda underscored its intention to up the ante on the Gulf automobile sector by previewing an exciting range of prototype models which represent the true essence of Honda – the Civic Type R, Civic 5-Door, and Accord Crosstour. In addition the special Mugen motorsports performance accessory range was also unveiled last night to the media at the Honda Dubai Festival City showroom.
This is the first time the prototype vehicles, which have already wowed Honda fans in the European and US markets, have been previewed in the region that continues to help assert Honda’s pole position in terms of global sales.
The new Civic Type R is unique, iconic and represents the very DNA of Honda in terms of performance, design and dreams turned into reality.
This ‘Premium Pure Sports’ model is powered by a 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine with 6-speed manual transmission. Key features include: its exciting high revving i-VTEC engine, sleek and purposeful design, and its exhilarating and smooth ride all of which promise sophisticated driving pleasure.
The fantastic all-new Civic 5-door is being introduced for the first time in the region and is a perfect blend of modern and sleek design which exudes prestige and quality.
The car has been selling very successfully in Europe and now as the GCC market matures and hatchback vehicles become more popular, especially in the UAE this car is expected to provide a huge fillip to Honda vehicle sales in the region.
The grand concept of the all-new Civic 5-door is ‘Premium Private Sports’, which express personal life style with premium quality for both business and leisure. The all-new Civic 5D HB is powered by 1.8 liter i-VTEC engine with 5-speed automatic transmission also used in the sedan models. This high spec model has a wealth of features such as the Multiplex central information display and the red engine start button and achieves luxurious large car ride with small car fuel consumption.
The fantastic Accord Crosstour made up the evening’s trio. The Crosstour is another unique vehicle from Honda that has only gone on sale in the US. Its design is a combination of both SUV and sporty sedan thereby creating a new value to customers as a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV).
The Accord Crosstour blends the best aspects of a sporty sedan or coupe’s performance and drivability with the versatility and functionality of a SUV, all in one superbly designed vehicle.
The Accord Crosstour is powered by the highly successful and popular 3.5V6 i-VTEC VCM engine which currently powers the Accord sedan and coupe models. In addition, it has real time 4-wheel drive and higher ground clearance providing it with the capability to deal with smooth or unpaved roads.
Shunichi Uchida, General Manager of Honda Motor Co. Middle East Office, said models such as the class beating Accord sedan, the ever popular Civic, highly regarded CR-V and the full size SUV – Pilot – have ensured the success of Honda in the Gulf countries.
“We believe Honda’s popularity will grow considerably when we launch the Civic Type R, the Civic 5-door and the Accord Crosstour in the region.”
Trading Enterprises, member of the Al-Futtaim group and exclusive distributor for Honda throughout the UAE, believes the impressive models will have a strong pick-up and contribute to expand Honda’s business in the UAE.
“Al-Futtaim has relentlessly pursued to create and sustain new values for our customers by understanding, experiencing and sharing the essence of Honda and the other world class brands we have in our Automotive portfolio,” said Len Hunt, Group Director – Automotive, Al-Futtaim. “These values, underscored by ongoing customer first initiatives across the Al-Futtaim Automotive landscape in the country, encourage us to say that we expect 2010 to be a very fruitful year.
“Al-Futtaim’s investment strategy in its automotive business is straight forward and simple: Develop our people, reach out further to our customers and grow our network across the country. I am indeed excited about the prospects for our automotive brands not only because our strategy has begun working, but because our principals have acknowledged Al-Futtaim’s high sense of preparedness for the year ahead.
“Mark Kass, the new managing director for our Honda business is proof of our resolve to ensure we focus on customer service and the development of our people,” Mr. Hunt added.
“2009 has been one of the most challenging years I have experienced in the region. But that is now behind us and I am truly excited about the opportunities we have to grow our business in 2010 the year which will see a very strong focus on improving the customer experience both in our showrooms and service centers,” said Mark Kass, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim’s Honda business.
“Honda have provided Al-Futtaim ample support through these very many years of fruitful partnership. This evening’s preview of these fine models will not only invigorate the brand and increase customer loyalty, but will also afford our customers a chance to own what European and US customers have also just begun to enjoy,” added Mr. Kass, who took over as Managing Director in October this year.
The UAE is an important strategic market for Honda housing its largest showroom worldwide at the Automotive Park in Dubai Festival City. Covering a total floor area of 6,226 square metres, the showroom showcases Honda’s entire range of products including cars, motorcycles, power products and outboard engines.
Source: news release
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