Arabian Automobiles drives Infiniti up the automotive market

The launch was attended by senior Infiniti executives from Japan, VIPs and media representatives who were welcomed by executives from Infiniti Middle East and Arabian Automobiles.

Announcing the company's ambitious plans at the event, General Manager Michel I. Ayat aims to make Infiniti the top-selling Japanese luxury brand in Dubai and the Northern Emirates by the end of 2009.

"In 2006, we expect the Infiniti sales in UAE to be about 2200 units, a growth of 37% over 2005. Maintaining this trend puts us on course to achieve our target of being the Number One Japanese luxury brand within three years."

During the event Toru Hasegawa, managing director of Infiniti Middle East explained that Infiniti is not only about product but also customer experience. In this context he announced that Infiniti will implement Total Ownership Experience by establishing global standards for customer handling which will contribute to enhancing the quality of sales and service.

"This is the Infiniti promise, which extends the relationship with Infiniti owners in long term. Within this, Infiniti Middle East through its regional dealers will soon roll out the Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI) facilities to provide a unique and exclusive shopping experience with the extended excellent services and customer benefits. This is what sets Infiniti apart from the rest of the pack", he said.

From his side Ayat said Arabian Automobiles is building a dedicated Infiniti showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road as well as exclusive service centers. The whole project is due to be operational by end of 2008.

Arabian Automobiles is also creating an independent strategic business unit for Infiniti, giving the brand its own support with dedicated human resources in marketing, sales and after-sales divisions.

The Infiniti product lineup comprises five models, headed by the Q premium luxury sedan, along with the QX full-size SUV, G sports sedan, G sports coupe and the FX premium crossover SUV. The Infiniti lineup also welcomes the Infiniti M, the most technologically advanced Infiniti vehicle launched to date. Of the full lineup on show, Infiniti offers a brand new G Sedan, FX in addition to the M.

First, the all-new 2007 Infiniti M is the most luxurious and technologically advanced sedan from a brand that is already synonymous with these characteristics. This sporty sedan is elegantly designed to outperform, gifting its driver an unparalleled driving experience at 362 horsepower in a graceful and inviting interior.
Advanced technology, elegant styling, and vibrant design set the M in a class of its own and earned it an array of awards from specialized automotive media and analysts abroad.

The FX 07 Year Model is another example of Infiniti's commitment to stand out from the pack of less exciting, less confident vehicles in the performance luxury market. It's a car that's different by design with its trend-setting exterior and interior style, blending a substantial SUV lower body design with the sleek, elegant upper body more reminiscent of a classic sports car.

Finally, the all-new G Sedan, a design beyond machine; a sensational driving experience with a 4th generation VQ engine that produces 327 horsepower, with its athletic and seductive styling with unexpected roominess and an artistic showcase of Japanese craftsmanship sealed with modern warmth.

"The luxury market in the UAE is the fastest-growing in the Middle East," said Ayat. "It has overtaken Saudi Arabia in volume, and is now recognized as internationally significant.

"Although the total UAE auto market estimated to grow by 18 percent in 2006 over '05, at Arabian Automobiles we have outstripped this - achieving sales growth of 23 per cent in the first nine months 2006 alone compared to same period in 2005.

"Infiniti made a very significant contribution to these figures; we are confident that the results will be maintained and that we can meet our targets."