Honda celebrates inauguration of its New Middle East Office in Jebel Ali Free Zone

This reflects Honda's commitment towards the GCC region is not only limited to providing excellent products, but also support distributors to provide world-class service to its esteemed customers.

Present at the launch was Mr. Shigeru Takagi, Managing Director of Honda Motor Company, and Mrs. Salma Hareb Chief Executive Officer of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, along with key members from all Honda distributorships across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Takagi Managing Director Honda Motor Company said,

"Today we are celebrating the inauguration of our new facility in Jebel Ali - Dubai. Presently Honda Motor Co. (Middle East Office) will facilitate GCC countries where the demand for Honda products has rapidly grown over the past few years. Our vehicle sales have increased by 186%, Motor Cycles by 168%, and Power Products by 133% in the last 5 years. We expect demand to increase further within GCC and other Middle Eastern countries in near future."

He further added, "With the expansion of office we want to improve quality of service and help our distributors organize more customer-focused programs and bring "joy to customers" which Honda as a company has always considered to be the top priority, as well as the core corporate activity."

In 2005, Honda sold its products to over 84,000 customers through its activities in the power products, motorcycles and automobile business in this region. In specific terms for automobiles, this year sales will approach 40,000 units, representing an increase of 18%. This will firmly establish GCC countries as a key market amongst Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Mr. Takagi further added: "JAFZA has been extremely cooperative to Honda to build this fantastic facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Without their support and cooperation we would have taken much more time to achieve this dream."

Facilitating Honda activities in the region, the new facility will also instill credibility within partners and enable Honda to achieve its short-term objectives and long-term goals, which is to achieve highest levels of customer satisfaction in this region.